Overall I did like this and it is impressive that almost everything you can think of about art is covered. I felt like I got an education in art history and an introduction to all the art techniques that changed through history. I barely scratched the surface in the time I had this from the library, and I could sit for an hour or more just reading and examining the photographs.

If you ever just feel the need to look at art, this is the book to pick up; the photography is crisp and the art chosen is encyclopedic in its range. Not surprising and obviously there's space reasons for not going too wide but still it's a big omission.

Doubling up as a riveting reference book for anyone with an interest in art history who wants to gain a broader knowledge of the subject, as well as the perfect classroom companion in schools, libraries and more, Art: The Definitive Visual Guide is a must-have for your bookshelf. Graphics and overlays explain the simple steps required to analyze, and inform your enjoyment of, any work of art. I think this is the biggest flaw, although one that'd be hard to rectify easily given what the book is trying to do.

Covering subjects as diverse as love, war, work, and children, these beautiful galleries show how attitudes, styles, and techniques change from one era and culture to another. Collaborating with Bridgeman Art Library, the world’s most comprehensive source of culture and historical art images, Art brings the world’s best images into your home.Picture-packed pages help you to identify the characteristics of each artist’s work, and follow how it changed through his or her lifetime.